The Sask West Hockey League or SWHL is a Sr. league and was started in the year 2000. When talking to some long term serving executives, it is believed that Jessica Taylor is the first female to lines a SR. hockey game in the SWHL. This was accomplished on Saturday Nov 21st, with Unity playing host to Eatonia. Jessica was then able to accomplish another first as she donned an officiating jersey with the red arm bands in a game that saw 2 ref’s and 2 linesman take to the ice. The game was played in Biggar on Dec. 18th and was against Luseland. In her first game as a ref in the SWHL, the game ended up going into overtime.

As a league we are very proud of Jessica’s accomplishments and to have Jessica as part of our officiating crew that works in the SWHL, on any given weekend. Not only has Jessica been an asset to the league, but she also helps officiate in the various leagues in and around North Battleford at our minor hockey levels, and along with providing mentorship to many of our young officials.

Greg Wells, Referee in chief, SWHL

I have grown up around hockey my entire life. I started playing hockey when I was three years old and at the age of fourteen my father encouraged me to start officiating. I grew up just south of Brantford Ontario, where the referee association was very good to me. I received a great deal of support and mentoring. After graduating from university I moved to an isolated reserve in Northern Ontario where I resided for four years. When I was ready for a new adventure my fiancé and I found employment in The Battleford's. I was quickly welcomed in by the Saskatchewan Hockey Association and given many opportunities to officiate higher levels of hockey and instruct new officials. My hopes are to continue to give back to the sport I love and hopefully find myself officiating at the National and International level.